Words of Hope (1 Peter 5:12-14)

1 Peter 5:12-14

Tomorrow we're going to celebrate the baptisms of four brothers and sisters in Christ. I love the joy, hope, and gratitude that accompany baptisms. It feels like the celebration of a wedding, in some ways.

But I'm also aware that just because we begin strong in faith doesn't mean that things will stay that way. While God is faithful to hold on to us, we are prone to wander. Standing firm in our faith isn't automatic, anymore than a beautiful wedding automatically makes for a long marriage.

This week at Grace, we're finishing our series on 1 Peter. These last few verses (5:12-14) briefly reiterate a few of the major themes of the book, so I thought it would be a helpful time to reflect on the overall message of the letter - how hope helps us stand firm in faith even in difficult circumstances.

Let's pray together for our new brothers and sisters to stand firm in their faith, even as we humbly ask God for the same strength for ourselves.

Look forward to worshiping with you tomorrow!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

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By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love.

Peace to all of you who are in Christ.

-1 Peter 5:12-14

The Hope of Glory (1 Peter 5:8-11)

1 Peter 5:8-11

I’m looking forward to encouraging you this Sunday with one of the last passages in 1 Peter.

Do you relate to this quote from the movie The Matrix; “What you know you can’t explain, but you feel it. You’ve felt it your entire life—that there’s something wrong with the world…” Well, if so, you’re not alone!

This Sunday, we’ll see how God uses Peter’s letter to pull back the curtain on the reality of our situation and show us the truth. It’s a vivid, sobering picture, though…are you ready? Again, from The Matrix: “This is your last chance. After this there is no turning back. You take the blue pill, the story ends; you wake up in your bed and believe whatever you want to believe. You take the red pill, you stay in Wonderland and I show you how deep the rabbit hole goes. All I’m offering is the truth, nothing more.”

Get ready to hear Peter's “wake up call”, the truth from the Word of God, and how we can respond well to the challenge! See you Sunday!

Justin

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Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

-1 Peter 5:8-11

Humility and Hope (1 Peter 5:5-7)

1 Peter 5:5-7

How humble are you?

I know, it sounds like an impossible question to answer soberly - wouldn't any positive self-asseesment of your humility be grounds for invalidating the results? If you say, "I'm great at being humble!", you must not be.

So, let's do a humility quiz based on Peter's life.

Have you ever:
1. Cried out to Jesus, “Depart from me; I am an unclean man!” (Plus 3 points)
2. Became angry at Jesus for doing something different than what you wanted him to do. Required Jesus to tell you, “Get behind me Satan.” (Minus 10 points)
3. When Jesus offers to wash your feet, initially resist, then jump on board. (Minus 1 point - not a great start, but way to switch quckly)
4. Give up everything to follow Jesus (Plus 10 points - but you lose a couple points if you brag about it, like Peter did)
5. Try to angle to become the greatest in the coming kingdom (Minus 5 points)
6. Cockily announced that even if every one leaves Jesus, “I will never abandon you!” (Minus 3 points)
7. Had your pride wounded when your sin was brought up during your restoration (Minus 2 points)
8. Scared of what people from Jerusalem would think of you, so you stop eating with Gentiles in Galatia (minus 3 points)
9. When threatened to stop preaching the gospel by religious leaders, insist that you must obey God rather than men (Plus 5 points)

So, how did you do?

I get it. Peter's life experiences were unique. But it's not hard to see how we could fall into the same pride traps that Peter did. And I'm sure grateful that God doesn't score our lives based on our behavior, but rather by His grace.

My point is that pride and humility are tricky issues to figure out about our own souls. Even great leaders like Peter struggle with them. And yet humility is essential to the Christian life.

This week at Grace, we'll be talking about 1 Peter 5:5-7, about the value of humility in the Christian life. Peter's words about the importance and value of humility are hard won and insightful for all of us who desire to walk humbly with our God today (Micah 6:8).

Look forward to seeing you Sunday at Grace, either in person or online!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

-1 Peter 5:5-7

Leading With Hope (1 Peter 5:1-4)

1 Peter 5:1-4

Curious people sometimes ask me why I chose to become a pastor. As I get close to 15 years here at Grace this spring, I think the better question might be: Why would anyone continue being a pastor (or any Christian leader)?

After seeing many friends and former ministry colleagues crash and burn, it's humbling how many pitfalls are out there for those in leadership in Christ's church.

Of course, this isn't unique to pastors. All of us face temptations that threaten to derail those leadership roles that are most precious to us.

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter with 5:1-4. This passage outlines the temptations that Christian leaders (elders, specifically) are called to lead the church. In this passage, Peter identifies three temptations that elders face:

- Will you resent your calling or embrace it willingly?

- Will you exploit those you lead or sacrifice for them?

- Will you lead the people by example or demand they do things you won't do yourself?

These three temptations are timeless. As we open up the Scriptures together this Sunday, I hope that we'll consider these temptations soberly - looking first in the mirror at our own capacity to wander, and secondly to pray for those in leadership in Christ's name around the world.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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So I exhort the elders among you, as a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as a partaker in the glory that is going to be revealed: shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.

-1 Peter 5:1-4

Suffer Well (1 Peter 4:12-19)

1 Peter 4:12-19

Do you like “fill in the  __________ ” questions?  I sure ____ .

Okay, enough silliness, here’s a real fill in the blank for you. 

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________ 

What comes to mind?

Give it a go and fill in the 3 below.  

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________ 

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________ 

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will ______________________ 

If you’re like me, you probably went pretty quickly to the benefits and blessings of salvation.  

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will have your sins forgiven.

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will become part of God’s family.

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will experience a lot of joy. 

Yes, Yes, and Yes.  All are true.  But wait, there’s more!  

When you come to Jesus you can be sure that you will suffer.

Did that make your list?  As you can see above, it didn’t make mine.  

It’s a sobering thought, but if Peter were participating in this exercise after writing 1 Peter 4:12-19, his mind would have gone to ‘suffering’ pretty quickly. 

Why do we suffer?  What’s it for?  How does God use suffering to do good? 

Join us Sunday as we spend more time on this difficult and important theme.  

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

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Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name. For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? And

“If the righteous is scarcely saved,
    what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”

Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.

-1 Peter 4:12-19

Hope and Community (1 Peter 4:7-11)

1 Peter 4:7-11

I know this is a serious question for an email, but I'm going to go for it:

When you think about the end (either the end of your life individually or the end of the age for all of us), how does it make you feel?

Does it scare you? Make you angry? Grateful?

Thinking about our own mortality and eternity can have a helpful recalibrating effect, forcing us to consider the things that really matter. But it can also drive us into self-centered behaviors - thinking about what we want to accomplish or experience.

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter 4:7-11. It's a profound passage because Peter lays out a case for how the Christian community can be a counter to the self-centered thinking that often accompanies thinking about the scarcity of life. Instead of being irrational, he tells us to be sober-minded and prayerful. Instead of selfish, we're to be loving and hospitable. And instead of trying to build our own kingdom, we're to build Christ's.


Let's reflect together on this beautiful passage and why we have a powerful enough hope to change the world's story of how to face the end.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

-1 Peter 4:7-11

Hope and Sin (1 Peter 4:1-6)

1 Peter 4:1-6

Would you describe yourself as weird?

Most of us would be pretty offended by being called weird. In fact, we go to a lot of effort to fit in - generally, we adjust our clothes to match fashions, adjust our idioms and diction to match how people around us talk, and eat what people around us eat.

This week at Grace, we're continuing our series in 1 Peter in chapter 4. In this passage, Peter describes why our hope in Christ creates a tension with the world around us, and how we're to deal with the fact that we're weird in this world.

I hope this passage will renew your joy and faith in Christ and give you strength to deal with being weird in this world's eyes.

Look forward to worshiping with you on Sunday!

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

PS. Our Pastor of Worship candidate (Chris Howard) will be joining us to lead worship in person and online this Sunday. Please be welcoming and encouraging to him!

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Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for human passions but for the will of God. For the time that is past suffices for doing what the Gentiles want to do, living in sensuality, passions, drunkenness, orgies, drinking parties, and lawless idolatry. With respect to this they are surprised when you do not join them in the same flood of debauchery, and they malign you; but they will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. For this is why the gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.

-1 Peter 4:1-6

Hope and Suffering (1 Peter 3:13-22)

1 Peter 3:13-22

What is it like when you talk about your faith in Jesus?

For many of us, we're not terribly proud of our answer to this. We might say it feels forced or awkward, like we're trying to wedge something in the conversation that ultimately makes the room go silent. Others might say that announcing their faith makes them feel powerful, a way to correct those who are in the wrong. Or for others, we might say we don't know what it feels like since we never talk about it.

This week at Grace, we're looking at 1 Peter 3:13-17. In it, Peter exhorts his readers to align their hearts and lives in such a way that the hope they have in Christ transforms how they see the world. And in the process, their hope can invite conversations about Christ that are marked with gentleness and respect.

This passage (especially v. 15) has been one of the most important passages of Scripture in my life. It's been a north star for me in how to think about evangelism and mission, as well as how to see my opportunity to share my faith in the lives of those around me. I'm excited to unpack with you on Sunday what it shows us about how the gospel of Jesus Christ can give us hope, rest, and purpose in life.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil.

For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit, in which he went and proclaimed to the spirits in prison, because they formerly did not obey, when God's patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him.

-1 Peter 3:13-22

Welcome Home, With Purpose (1 Peter 2:4-10)

1 Peter 2:4-10

I’m grateful for the hope and encouragement we’re finding in 1 Peter during this series. I’m grateful also to be back and recovered from COVID, healthy and thankful for your prayers and God’s healing! Because I had planned to share in our service several weeks ago before my quarantine, we get to jump back to chapter 2 for another encouraging reflection on the hope we find in Christ.

In fact, this week, we’ll see how Jesus is the “cornerstone” of our faith - how He holds His church together and how He sets our lives on level ground. Join us as we let God’s word remind us who we are and who’s we are, together.

See you Sunday!
Justin

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As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For it stands in Scripture:

“Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,
    a cornerstone chosen and precious,
and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.”

So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected
    has become the cornerstone,”

and

“A stone of stumbling,
    and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

-1 Peter 2:4-10

Living for the Good of Others (1 Peter 3:1-12)

1 Peter 3:1-12

Sometimes when I read the Bible I am comforted. Other times I’m confronted. These words from 1 Peter 3:8-9 have had the latter effect on me this week.

How do they hit you?

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.

I'd love to see you Sunday or have you join us online so that, together, we can all benefit from God's gracious and challenging words.

Many blessings,
Pastor Tim

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Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For

“Whoever desires to love life
    and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
    and his lips from speaking deceit;
let him turn away from evil and do good;
    let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
    and his ears are open to their prayer.
But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.”

-1 Peter 3:1-12

The Hope of Submission (1 Peter 2:11-25)

1 Peter 2:11-25

This week at Grace we're continuing our series in 1 Peter by looking at how Peter tells us to live in relationship to political and employment authorities in our lives.

Yep, that four letter word: Politics. "Ugh, I hate when they talk about politics at church!"

I get that. And there's a lot to affirm in that hesitancy. The sacredness of Christian worship is more important than just advocating for a political position. But there are times (like in 1 Peter 2) where Scripture speaks plainly and challengingly about our responsibilities with relation to politics.

I hope you'll join us online tomorrow morning to open up God's Word to this timely and relevant passage.

In Christ,
Pastor Bob

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Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.

Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. Honor everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the emperor.

Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to the good and gentle but also to the unjust. For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

-1 Peter 2:11-25

A Holy Life (1 Peter 1:13-2:3)

1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Last week we started our new year's series on 1 Peter, a book that focuses on hope in the midst of despair. For Peter's readers, there were circumstances beyond their control that make hope seem like a luxury they couldn't afford. But Peter reminded them their hope does not come from the circumstances but from the resurrection of Jesus.

Like Peter's first readers, we need hope. We needed it before this week. We need it even more after the events of this week.

As we continue in 1 Peter, we're looking at how hope changes us. When the hope of the gospel gets in our bones, it gives us a sturdiness of soul that gives us confidence in the midst of turmoil. When we become hopeful people, it effects how we relate to God, ourselves, and one another.

Looking forward to worshiping with you either in person or online tomorrow!

In Christ,

Pastor Bob

Ps. I hope you’re reading and reflecting on 1 Peter on your own throughout the week! If you have any questions or insights you'd like to share, I'd love to hear about them. Email me at bob@gracesealbeach.org

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Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for the sake of you who through him are believers in God, who raised him from the dead and gave him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God.

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for

“All flesh is like grass
    and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers,
    and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”

And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up into salvation— if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good

-1 Peter 1:13-2:3

Living In Exile (1 Peter 1:1-12)

Living In Exile
1 Peter 1:1-12

Normally in this space I write a short message to help you prepare for this coming Sunday's passage. But this week I'd like to take the opportunity to help you prepare for the message's for the next couple of months as we begin a new series in 1 Peter.

Even though it's almost 2000 years old, 1 Peter is a letter that could be written to churches in America today. It addresses Christians who feel out of place in a world that holds different values than they do. Peter's goal is to encourage them (and us) in their faith, even when it seems like the whole world has a different concept of value, success, and meaning.

As we jump into this series, here are five things you could do to make your investment in 1 Peter more profitable in your life:

1. Read 1 Peter. Okay, I know that one is obvious, but it's still the best place to start. And I don't mean just read it once - read it continually now through the rest of the series (the end of March). What if you read one chapter a day (1 Peter has five chapters), then once a week read the whole thing in one sitting? And the next week tried it again in a different translation? How much more hope (1 Peter's central theme) would mark your life in three months?

2. Choose key verses to memorize - 1 Peter is filled with rich passages to commit to memory, including 2:8-9, 3:15, and 5:6-7. As you read 1 Peter, I'm sure ones will stick out to you as well.

3. Watch this video to get an overview of the whole book - The Bible Project produces these very helpful short animated videos to give a bird's eye view of biblical books for free.

4. Join a life group - There are a number of great groups at Grace that can help you understand the Bible better, including a couple men's and women's groups that focus on the sermon passage of the week.

5. Buy a commentary or invest in a Study Bible to help you understand more of what 1 Peter is all about - There isn't one gold standard commentary on 1 Peter I'd recommend (you can see a pretty helpful list here), but of the ones on my shelf I find Karen Jobes' volume the best. For Study Bibles, both the Zondervan NIV Study Bible and ESV Study Bible are excellent.

May God use the words of 1 Peter to shape you in a Christlike way in 2021!

- Bob

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Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ,

To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with his blood:

May grace and peace be multiplied to you.

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, 11 inquiring what person or time[a] the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. 12 It was revealed to them that they were serving not themselves but you, in the things that have now been announced to you through those who preached the good news to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven, things into which angels long to look.

-1 Peter 1:1-12